Recommendation 27

HM Government · verbatim extract Not Addressed

PLANS ALREADY IN PLACE We recognise the importance of clear and transparent communication with the FE sector on any future qualification reforms. The Department is committed to ensuring that engagement is open and inclusive, and that stakeholders have the information they need to plan effectively. During the Review of Qualifications Reform in 2024, we publicly set out the scope, objectives and approach of the Review for the sector. Throughout the Review, officials and Ministers from the Department for Education engaged extensively with stakeholders across the FE sector. This included chief executive officers and principals of FE and sixth form colleges, curriculum leaders, subject specialists, and others. In total, we spoke to over 250 individuals through more than 40 hours of engagement, including over 100 teachers, practitioners, and college leaders. We remain committed to continuing this dialogue to ensure future reforms are informed by sector expertise and deliver high-quality qualifications for young people. We published an Equalities Impact Assessment as part of the Review of Qualifications Reform, which examined the impact of both retaining the 157 qualifications the review has identified are needed and of continuing to withdraw funding from the remaining qualifications in scope of the review. We will continue to evaluate the impacts of future qualifications reforms on learners. We are currently undertaking public consultation proposals for reforms to post-16 qualification pathways at level 3 and below. This consultation was launched on 20 October 2025 and will close on 12 January 2026. This consultation will shape key decisions around the design, structure, and implementation of future pathways. We have set out that the rollout of new qualifications will begin in 2027 and follow a sector-by-sector approach, ensuring that each route is reformed across both level 2 and level 3. The government response to this consultation will be published in due course, and at least one year in advance of qualifications being delivered, ensuring that providers can plan effectively for delivery. Additionally, to support meaningful engagement, we will be hosting a series of events aimed at clearly communicating the purpose and scope of the consultation, ensuring that stakeholders across the sector are well-informed and able to participate fully. We have also set out that we will retain funding for qualifications with 719 guided learning hours or below in T Level areas until new V Levels are introduced for that area, minimising disruption to delivery as the system transitions to V Levels, and that in current non-T Level areas, qualifications will remain funded until V Levels and new T Levels are introduced.